Even in middle school, a student’s time might not wholly be one’s own. Preparing for two exams could hinder the student’s schoolwork and extracurricular activities. The question then boils down to: “With limited time, on which test should one focus one's attention?”  Below, we provide some considerations. In Essence The ISEE, Independent School Entrance Exam, is likely required by non-Catholic schools [...]

For first time parents, the unknowns about academic deadlines can be stress inducing. In this section, we aim to alleviate some of that stress by alerting you to potential milestones for which you may want to prepare. Conversely, we hope that by knowing when major deadlines are, you won't over prepare and stress out months or even years before [...]

Systematically evaluating and comparing the many school options in Houston is a daunting task, especially when each child and family emphasizes different criteria. In this section, we introduce the categories that we used in researching the schools profiled here. Please remember that the most important criteria—your child’ s fit and happiness— cannot be quantified in the pages that follow. [...]

From a parent’s perspective, the HISD magnet application process can be quite daunting, and even a little scary. However you can navigate the process with ease if you know what to expect. In this section, we provide guidance on every aspect of the magnet and Vanguard magnet application process. ​ IT'S A LOTTERY There’s one key difference between private school admissions and [...]

Scholastic Testing Service’s HSPT is an admissions test for entry into Catholic high schools. The HSPT contains five multiple-choice sections: Verbal Quantitative Skills Reading Mathematics Language Skills Depending on the school, the HSPT might also feature an optional section covering Science, Mechanical Aptitude or Catholic Religion. The optional test is not included in the composite score from the HSPT and not every school chooses [...]

In this article, we provide advice for starting the private school application process. In general, start the process early, keep your child’s happiness in mind, and talk with as many people as possible. The Application Form Most of the private schools in Houston post application forms to each school’s individual website, while a few private schools release paper applications upon request. As with colleges, [...]

General Academic interviewed the parents of both private and public school students to more completely understand the applications gauntlet from those who had already been through the process. These parents were our clients at the time and represent a broad range of backgrounds. For example, we talked to a mother who was born and raised in Houston and another [...]

Not every child will be successful or happy in a traditional classroom environment. For these students, alternative education curriculums such as Montessori, individualized, and home schooling may be better options. Although Montessori school techniques can vary widely from school to school, this teaching method generally strives to offer a comparatively more nurturing and holistic learning environment than strictly score [...]

Many of us structure our days by prioritizing so that we create a healthy balance among work, school, friends, family, exercise, sleep, etc. As adults, we have had a few more years of practice balancing our lives. Kids, however, have not quite learned how to structure their days to create the healthiest set-up for themselves. That is the job [...]